Carmina Shoes - Definitive Thread (reviews, advice, sizing, etc...) - official thread.

[Churchill W]

Is it a rough spot or is it bloom? Try brushing for about 10mins...

In my experience, bloom is usually not rough.

 

[benjamin831]

Do you guys take Simpson and Rain in the same size? I wear a 1/2 size smaller in Rain but when I look at Carmina's line drawing of the two, both lasts are almost identical in shape.

 

[pediwear]

Do you guys take Simpson and Rain in the same size? I wear a 1/2 size smaller in Rain but when I look at Carmina's line drawing of the two, both lasts are almost identical in shape.

I take a half a size smaller in the Rain, and this is what we advise most of our customers to purchase. A last is a three-dimensional beast - so the line drawing doesn't tell the full story.

 

[007Bond]

Do you guys take Simpson and Rain in the same size? I wear a 1/2 size smaller in Rain but when I look at Carmina's line drawing of the two, both lasts are almost identical in shape.

Highly debatable, opinions vary. History: yes in the past even the Carmina web site said that for the Simpson size up 1/2 for all.

BUT IMO this is not the case, and for the shoes I have done this for (lace up) I regret and will never do again. So for me I would say lace up Simpson same size as Rain, slip on Simpson half up.

BIGGER But, now on the Carmina website in reference to Simpson sizing it says this for all lace ups "Simpson is one of our narrowest last, we use to recommend to upload half size on this last" and this for all slip on "As it is is one of our narrowest lasts, we recommend to upload half size on this last". So seems the recommendation has changed to past tense for the lace up Simpsons.

So the Carmina website echos my opinion Do Not size up for lace (same size), size up for slip on.

 

[circumspice]

The only Simpson I have that the sizing seems weird is the basketweave loafer - they feel a half size larger. Otherwise the penny loafers, austerity brogues and captoe oxfords all feel similar. Rain wears incredibly large - if I were to buy them, I would size down .5 size, but Simpson fits me so well I don't have real reason to try Rain

 

[peppercorn78]

Navy shell

 

[flylikeneagle]

Navy shell

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Gorgeous. Are these on Detroit last?

 

[flylikeneagle]

Love the color on these bourbon loafers. These are darker than my bourbon NST boots, and I love that.

 

[MGitlis]

BIGGER But, now on the Carmina website in reference to Simpson sizing it says this for all lace ups "Simpson is one of our narrowest last, we use to recommend to upload half size on this last" and this for all slip on "As it is is one of our narrowest lasts, we recommend to upload half size on this last". So seems the recommendation has changed to past tense for the lace up Simpsons.

Hi 007Bond, I have the habit and problem of taking things literally, so I don't see Carmina's opinion in the past tense. They are not saying they "used to recommend...sizing up" They are stating that they "use to recommend". Not the best use of English on their part, but since I speak Portuguese and Spanish, I can tell that "we use to recommend" basically means "we normally recommend." Having said that, I think your point is valid! I only own their shoes on the Simpson last, but I'd probably take your suggestion if I were to buy one on the Rain last.

 

[007Bond]

Hi 007Bond, I have the habit and problem of taking things literally, so I don't see Carmina's opinion in the past tense. They are not saying they "used to recommend...sizing up" They are stating that they "use to recommend". Not the best use of English on their part, but since I speak Portuguese and Spanish, I can tell that "we use to recommend" basically means "we normally recommend." Having said that, I think your point is valid! I only own their shoes on the Simpson last, but I'd probably take your suggestion if I were to buy one on the Rain last.

Yea I am sure you are right about the language. All I noticed is they changed how it was worded on the site. As with all sizing it's really very individual and hard to say what is right for the masses. All feet are not equal so fit will vary and if you can try before you buy always best.

For sure the laced shoes are more forgiving vs the slip on. As @benjamin831 pointed out the drawings sure do look almost the same. I think we are all on the same page. Also it depends a lot on how high your instep is whether you change the size of your Simpson.

 

[stephenaf2003]

Navy shell

View attachment 1109328

Love the slacks!

 

[007Bond]

Removing double post

 

[SRV]

Navy shell

View attachment 1109328

Love these shoes! Navy shell, the last and the brogueing on these shoes, make them classy!

Slacks are impressive too. Flannels? Make? VBC?

 

[emidyl]

yas, which flannels are those?

 

[peppercorn78]

Love the slacks!

Love these shoes! Navy shell, the last and the brogueing on these shoes, make them classy!

Slacks are impressive too. Flannels? Make? VBC?

yas, which flannels are those?

Thanks all.

Yeah, these longwings are Detroit extra wide. Don’t end up wearing them as often due to color, but when I do I remember how much I love them. It took a lot of work to get them made, too. This was back when Carmina weren’t doing shell single MTOs from retailers and there was no direct MTO program. I had to beg Jaime to let me organize a GMTO through r/gyw

The pants are Epaulet Rudy by hertling USA. The fabric is called “pale grape” but I can’t remember what mill the flannel is from. They’re heavier than my other VBC flannels. Perfect for cold days!